Unite demands government action to defend UK steelworkers against threat of US steel tariffs

US President Donald Trump's proposed hike in steel tariffs could be ‘devastating’ for the UK steel industry and manufacturing, Britain’s largest union, Unite warned today (Friday 2 March).

Unite is in discussions with the American steelworker’s union USW and called on government minsters to secure assurances from President Trump that UK steelworkers and manufacturing communities won’t be caught up in a global tariff war between the US and countries, such as China.

Donald Trump has set out plans for steel imports to face a 25 per cent tariff and aluminium of 10 per cent.

Unite national officer for steel Tony Brady said: “US tariffs on UK steel would be devastating for the British steel industry and the thousands of workers who have battled for its survival, alongside their trade unions.

“Any tariffs imposed on UK steel by President Trump on a scale that is being mooted would be misguided and deprive US manufacturers of some of the most specialist steel in the world.

“The dumping of cheap Chinese steel into the UK took our world class British steel industry to the precipice because of the British government’s inaction.“Government ministers and Theresa May must back Britain’s steelworkers and manufacturing communities by securing assurances from President Trump that they will not be caught up in a global tariff war between the US and countries such as China.”

ENDSFor further information please contact the Unite press office on 020 3371 2065 or Unite head of media and campaigns Alex Flynn on 020 3371 2066 or 07967 665869.

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